Abstract:A green chemical conversion coating for magnesium was obtained with a phytic acid solution. The microstructure and corrosion properties of phytic acid conversion coated magnesium were further improved by soaking in stearic acid solution. The phytic acid conversion coated magnesium after soaking in the stearic acid showed no micro-cracks and the surface became very smooth. The corrosion behavior of the uncoated and coated magnesium samples was studied by electrochemical methods. The corrosion resistance of the stearic acid treated sample was much higher than that of phytic acid conversion coated magnesium or uncoated magnesium. The electrochemical results indicated that the stearic acid treated coating provided effective corrosion protection to the magnesium sample.